Agelenopsis aperta, also known as the desert grass spider[1] or funnel-web spider,[2] is a species of spider belonging to the family Agelenidae and the genus Agelenopsis. It is found in dry and arid regions across the southern United States and into northwestern Mexico. Their body is about 13–18 mm long and they have relatively long legs in order to run after their prey. Desert grass spiders can withstand very low temperatures even though they do not cold harden. It constructs the characteristic funnel-shaped webs in crevices where the funnel will fit, where they wait in the tube for prey which they can run after using their long legs. They often hunt for their prey at night.
A. aperta is known for its territoriality and will fight intruders to protect their space. A. aperta are mainly monogamous, and the male performs an elaborate courtship ritual that involves swaying his abdomen and releasing pheromones. The male's pheromones induce a cataplectic state in the female, and then once the female is active again, they begin to mate. Desert grass spiders inject venom into their prey which results in rapid paralysis. Bites to humans, however, are not well-studied and are currently considered harmless. The agatoxin present in its venom has been researched extensively and is known to block calcium channels.
^"Agelenopsis aperta (Gertsch, 1934)". Discover Life. The Polistes Corporation. Retrieved 2020-12-14.
^Cite error: The named reference Noureddine 2000 93–117 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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Agelenopsisaperta, also known as the desert grass spider or funnel-web spider, is a species of spider belonging to the family Agelenidae and the genus...
Some bites reportedly from the closely related desert grass spider, Agelenopsisaperta, may have been inaccurately reported and may have actually been from...
bite. The agatoxin in their venom has been studied extensively in Agelenopsisaperta. Once the prey has been disabled, the spider generally drags it back...
relaxation of the urinary bladder. Research on the desert grass spider, Agelenopsisaperta, has shown that agatoxins IVA and IVB found in their venom selectively...
calcium channels. Agatoxin is named after the funnel web spider (Agelenopsisaperta) which produces a venom containing several agatoxins. There are different...
and the funnel shape of its web. Its closest relative is Agelenopsis potteri. Agelenopsis pennsylvanica lives primarily as a solitary spider across the...
in females and used for making egg sacs. The desert grass spider, Agelenopsisaperta, has especially prominent spinnerets that extend out of the end of...
young survive, and thus pass on his genes. The desert grass spider, Agelenopsisaperta, is mostly monogamous as well. Male size is the determining factor...
of the genus Agelenopsis (American grass spiders) featured prominently in Riechert's work, particularly the species AgelenopsisAperta.: 190–191 Riechert's...
AG 489 (or agatoxin 489) is a component of the venom produced by Agelenopsisaperta, a North American funnel web spider. It inhibits the ligand gated ion...
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